Local News Friday 13th January

Friday, 13 January 2023 07:15

Citizens Advice in Somerset says it is getting a higher-than-average number of calls from people saying they can no longer afford to top-up their electricity prepayment meters. A group of disabled people has formed Somerset’s first-ever wheelchair rugby team. Martock Library is to shut for two months for a major upgrade. Two wassailing events take place locally this weekend. Plans have been submitted to build 8 new homes in the village of Hatch Beauchamp...and more

A group of disabled people has formed Somerset’s first-ever wheelchair rugby team. The team will compete in the sport's National League beginning in June against sides from all around England.

Martock Library is to shut for two months for a major upgrade. The library will be closed from Wednesday the 15th of February to Tuesday the 11th of April for the improvements to be carried out.

Two wassailing events take place locally this weekend. The ceremonies, aimed at waking fruit trees from their winter slumber and to scare away evil spirits, ensuring a good harvest, take place at the Bere Cider Company in Aller, near Langport, tomorrow, and in Chard at the community orchard next to Chard Museum on Sunday. Both events start at around 5 pm and if you plan to take part you’re asked to take along some pots, pans, and drums to make some noise and help wake up the trees.

People living near the site of Glastonbury Festival have until the 31st of January to comment on a planning application to make the site permanent for the festival. Since its launch, Glastonbury Festival has operated on temporary licences issued by Mendip District Council, with the current licence ending in 2024.

Plans have been submitted to build 8 new homes in the village of Hatch Beauchamp. A site measuring 1.4 hectares has been identified off Station Road for development. A previous application to build 12 homes on the site in 2019 was turned down

A new head has been appointed to run the region’s ambulance service. Stephen Otter, who was previously the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has taken on the role of Chair of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

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Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

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